No More Pool Rentals In El Paso

The city of El Paso says you can't rent pools in El Paso. Renting a residence to have a party is out too.

El Paso city council members recently met to discuss whether or not homeowners could rent out their homes for parties or other "events". El Paso city staff popped up and said no, you can't. Ditto for the pool.

Unless you're giving private swimming lessons, those you can "rent the pool" out for. This all has to do with zoning and liability issues, which I get, but I see this law as a little unenforceable.

You can throw a big azz party anytime you want, as long as you don't rent your home, (or pool), out to someone else for theirs. Fair enough, zoning and licensing/permit issues don't allow party halls and entertainment venues in residential areas.

However, a big party is a big party and will present many of the issues this is designed to prevent anyway. Rented or not, there will be loud music, there will be cars parked all over the place, there may be litter/debris dropped by party goers, etc.

How Can They Enforce This?

If nobody admits to renting it and the method of payment is untraceable, (cash), I don't see how they can.

“If you’re having a family party, family gathering, those are allowed. It’s when you’re renting the residence out and pools out, that’s when it becomes an issue,” Alvarado with Code Enforcement said. - ktsm 

Seems like all you really have to do is tell anyone who asks that you're celebrating Uncle Joe's birthday and close the door. To avoid big hassles, keep the volume and noise levels down.

According to the presentation, enforcement requires catching violators in the act. Alvarado said to do this he will have a designated department to conduct sweeps on Fridays and Saturdays of residential areas.  - ktsm

I guess this means that every party will get a visit from code enforcement? In that case, read that part about Uncle Joe again and be smart ... don't do anything that invites the cops.

I'm not sure how this applies to Airbnb rentals. That probably isn't considered a "party" but what if your renter throws one? Again, weird, somewhat unenforceable law.

Not that I'm encouraging you to try it, just sayin' ...